THE US Senate was last night considering imposing a Code of Conduct banning arms exports to dictatorial and aggressive regimes, similar to that proposed for the European Union.
The US and the EU - which between them account for the vast majority of world arms exports - are now on course to restrain 80 per cent of world arms trade for the first time. But if the US Senate votes for the code it will be legally binding - placing, the US ahead of the EU which, although it has guidelines, has no binding legislation. Arms control experts hope that if the US adopts it, that will spur Europe to follow.
On July 16th a group of Members of the European Parliament, led by Ms Glenys Kinnock, wrote to Senator Mark Hatfield, a Republican and main sponsor of the code, stressing the need for the US and EU to impose similar controls. The US is increasingly concerned about the sale of sophisticated arms which could be used against its own forces and those of its allies.
The proposed US code precludes arms exports to countries which are undemocratic, do not respect human rights, are engaged in armed aggression, and do not participate fully in the new UN register of conventional arms.
"Irresponsible arms exports boomerang back on the US," said Senator Hatfield. "In the last four US foreign engagements - Iraq, Somalia, Panama and Haiti
American troops have faced, weapons supplied by American manufacturers. The Code of Conduct provides a vital opportunity to control this damaging trade and protects US soldiers as well, as millions of people in the developing world."
Although EU member states agreed eight criteria which should govern arms exports in 1991 and 1992, no common European arms export policy has yet been agreed. The MEPs led by Mrs Kinnock want a "coherent and comprehensive arms export policy" agreed and incorporated in the EU's statutes at the Inter Governmental Conference (IGC).
The US code outlined in the Senate bill puts the burden of proof on the recipient country. It is designed to "provide Congressional review of the ability of foreign governments to be considered for US military assistance and arms transfers and to establish clear standards for each eligibility".
The EU guidelines are not binding and countries interpret them differently. For example, the UK and Germany export arms to Indonesia - including Hawk jets reportedly used against rebels in East Timor. Italy and Portugal do not, because of Jakarta's poor human rights record.
Saudi Arabia is the UK's biggest arms export market, but Germany classifies the Middle East as a "region of instability" and does not export there.